Magsaysay, Ramon, << mahg SY sy, rah MOHN >>, (1907-1957), became president of the Philippines on Dec. 30, 1953. He served as president until his death in a plane crash on Cebu Island on March 17, 1957.
Magsaysay was born on Aug. 31, 1907, in Zambales province. In 1932, he earned a bachelor’s degree from José Rizal University in Manila. During World War II, he commanded guerrillas in their fight against the Japanese in western Luzon. After World War II, the U.S. Army named Magsaysay the military governor of Zambales.
In 1946, Magsaysay was elected to the House of Representatives. He was reelected in 1949. In 1950, Philippine President Elpidio Quirino named Magsaysay secretary of national defense. Magsaysay reformed the army while he held that position. He ended a revolt by Communist guerrillas called Hukbalahaps—also known as Huks—with a combination of armed attacks and land awards to the Huks. His success led to his 1953 victory over Quirino for the Philippine presidency.
In 1957, the trustees of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund established the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in his honor. Since 1958, Ramon Magsaysay awards have been given annually to people who demonstrate leadership in improving the lives of Asians.
See also Hukbalahap; Philippines, History of the.
